Selecting the perfect cooking range for an Asian kitchen can be a challenging decision for chefs and restaurant owners. With so many options available, it’s important to understand the key differences between popular cooking ranges like the Robata grill, Teppanyaki, and HAKWOK to make an informed choice that fits your menu, kitchen workflow, and cooking style. 

In this blog, we break down the essential features, benefits, and ideal use cases for these three iconic Asian kitchen gears — so you can confidently choose the right cooking range for your culinary space. 

Understanding the Basics: What Are Robata, Teppanyaki, and HAKWOK? 

1. Robata Grill 

Originating from Japan, the Robata grill is a charcoal or gas-powered grilling style where skewered meats, seafood, and vegetables are cooked over open flame embers. The term “robatayaki” means “fireside cooking,” and it is characterized by its smoky flavor and quick grilling method. 

• Ideal for: Yakitori, grilled vegetables, seafood skewers, and other small, quick-cooking items. 

• Heat source: Typically charcoal or gas. 

• Cooking surface: Slatted grill grates that allow direct flame contact and smoke infusion. 

2. Teppanyaki Range 

The Teppanyaki style features a large flat iron griddle, heated by gas or electric burners. Chefs cook food directly on the smooth, hot surface, using spatulas to flip and sauté ingredients. 

• Ideal for: Stir-fried vegetables, seafood, thinly sliced meats, fried rice, and egg dishes. 

• Heat source: Gas or electric. 

• Cooking surface: Flat steel plate, providing even heat distribution and quick searing. 

3. HAKWOK Cooking Range 

HAKWOK is a specialized wok cooking range designed for high-heat, fast stir-frying. It features powerful burners and a concave wok holder, optimized for traditional Asian cooking techniques. 

• Ideal for: Stir-fries, deep-frying, boiling, and steaming using a wok. 

• Heat source: High BTU gas burners. 

• Cooking surface: Designed for round-bottom woks, offering intense and focused heat. 

Robata Grill vs Teppanyaki: Which One Suits Your Kitchen? 

Flavor and Cooking Style 

• Robata Grill: Imparts a rich, smoky flavor due to grilling over open flame embers. Ideal for dishes requiring char and subtle smoke infusion. 

• Teppanyaki: Offers a clean, seared flavor profile suitable for quick sautés and grilled-to-order dishes. 

Kitchen Setup and Space 

• Robata Grill: Requires ventilation for smoke and typically takes more space due to charcoal or flame grills. 

• Teppanyaki: Compact and versatile, suitable for open kitchens and live cooking stations. 

Menu Considerations 

• Robata Grill: Perfect if your menu features skewers, grilled seafood, or vegetables. 

• Teppanyaki: Better suited for stir-fries, mixed grill plates, and rice dishes. 

Why Choose HAKWOK for Your Asian Kitchen? 

High Heat Performance 

HAKWOK ranges are designed to produce very high BTU output, essential for traditional wok cooking techniques that require rapid searing and tossing at extremely high temperatures. 

Versatility 

With HAKWOK, chefs can perform a wide range of cooking methods beyond stir-frying — including boiling, steaming, and deep-frying — making it a multi-purpose tool in busy commercial kitchens. 

Efficiency and Control 

The design of the HAKWOK range provides focused heat and excellent temperature control, ensuring consistency and faster cooking times which is crucial for high-volume Asian restaurants. 

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Cooking Range 

1. Menu Focus: Understand the type of dishes you specialize in. Are you grilling skewers, stir-frying noodles, or offering mixed plates? 

2. Kitchen Space and Ventilation: Some ranges require more space or enhanced ventilation systems (like Robata grills). 

3. Cooking Speed and Volume: High-volume kitchens need ranges that support fast, consistent cooking with easy heat control. 

4. Fuel Type: Consider whether your kitchen setup supports gas or electric appliances efficiently. 

5. Maintenance and Durability: Look for ranges that are easy to clean and built to withstand heavy commercial use. 

Conclusion: Which Cooking Range is Right for You? 

• Choose Robata Grill if you want authentic smoky flavors from grilled skewers and seafood, and have the kitchen setup to manage open flame grilling. 

• Choose Teppanyaki Range if your menu includes diverse stir-fried dishes, fried rice, and you prefer a clean, flat cooking surface for quick and precise cooking. 

• Choose HAKWOK Cooking Range if you need high heat, wok-specific burners for traditional Asian stir-frying, versatile cooking styles, and rapid service efficiency. 

At HAKS, we provide top-quality cooking ranges including Robata grills, Teppanyaki griddles, and our signature HAKWOK ranges engineered to meet your Asian kitchen demands. Contact us to find the perfect fit for your culinary needs and elevate your kitchen’s performance. 

Contact HAKS 

Call: +91-9810571068 | +91-9560085328 

Email: info@haks.co.in | sales@haks.co.in 

 Visit: HAKS Experience Centre – B-56, 1st Floor, Naraina Industrial Area Phase-2, New Delhi – 110028